Category: Double Bass Repair

Replacing the C-extension leather pads on a Kai Arvi double bass for client Geoff Larson.

Here is a 1998 Golia double bass from master Italian luthier Luciano Golia. This was a custom setup job.On this instrument, I dressed the fingerboard (planed and sanded). I then installed a new bridge with adjusters, and I installed a new sound post. This work was done for Dave Couch. This bass had beautiful ornamentation as you can see below:

A good setup takes me about 10 to 12 hours to finish. But once the work is complete, your bass will be singin! If you have a new factory bass, just bring it over and I will set it up right.

Below are the steps I take to set up your double bass:

1. Fit the end pin.
2. Plane and sand the fingerboard to proper curvature and camber.
3. File down nut and re-cut string slots.
4. Fit the bridge with adjusters and detail bridge after desired string height is achieved.
5. Fit sound post.
6. Transfer curvature of the fingerboard to the bridge face, then lower strings as low as possible but without them buzzing. Then with adjusters, action can be raised if desired(usually for strong players) or for changing humidity and temperatures if you are traveling.

I charge a flat rate for the work.

Don’t forget to call or write with any questions you may have.

Phil Sparks is a beloved jazz bass player in the Seattle scene, and his instrument is magnificent. He recently brought it in to the shop to replace his end-pin. His bass was built by Trevor Davis out of Austin, Texas in 2017. The back and the sides are flamed Ash wood and it has a Spruce top as you can see here.

These are the images of the work I did on this beautiful French bass from 1750 by Claude Boivin. I replaced the finger board and set up action.